Authorities warn people against surfing in wild weather

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Oma has been downgraded to a sub-tropical low, but warnings remain in place for dangerous conditions, particularly at the beaches of QLD and Northern NSW.

The storm, which is around 700km east of Brisbane, is bringing abnormally high tides, damaging winds and large swells.

Images have surfaced of some of these swells at beaches, causing authorities to warn people against trying to catch them. But, former world champion surfers, Mick Fanning, Joel Parkinson and Mark Occhilupo have been spotted at Kirra Beach on the Gold Coast today out on the water.

Mick joined Erin and John from the carpark of their next beach, just as he was about to jump in the water again.

“The wind’s pretty crazy, but the wave’s are pretty magical.”

He does stress that someone like him has all the relevant access to support and crew in case he gets into trouble, whereas others don’t. Beaches on the Gold Coast remain closed, while some on the Sunshine Coast have reopened.

“Everyone’s been pretty safe…all the people out there are all pretty experienced…”